There are many hobbies for seniors, even for those with low energy.
What energy does for us:
Having energy gives us the ability to do things. Human energy is often broken down into 4 parts:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Mental
- Spiritual
What does it mean when a senior says they have low energy?
Though it can indicate mental fatigue, when people say they have low energy, they usually mean physical energy. It’s important to pay attention to energy levels as they influence what we can do.
Are energy levels the same for everyone?
Note that physical energy levels vary per individual. Genetics plays a part in physical energy levels. So does a person’s age, health, environment, and daily habits. Some healthy practices known to help increase energy levels include exercising, eating right, getting adequate sleep, taking vitamins, practicing self-care, and more. Seniors with low energy should talk to their doctors to make beneficial lifestyle changes.
Did you know that one category of energy can affect another?
There is a definite connection. For example, when physical energy is high, a person’s spirits will likely rise. Here’s an example: When a person jogs, endorphins and serotonin are released that are likely to improve mood and boost the body’s way of dealing with mental or emotional problems. Per National Institute of Health, moving one’s body can relieve tension, improve self-image, better one’s mood, and increase self-confidence. Likewise, stimulating hobbies that use brain power can increase knowledge, help with memory, spark creativity, promote higher thinking, and more.
What should seniors with low energy know?
Seniors facing energy declines, especially with sudden onset, should see their physicians to address causes and to find safe ways to restore energy levels. Unfortunately, seniors can be vulnerable to energy reductions simply due to aging and by no fault of their own. While many older people remain highly energetic as they age, a normal decrease in strength and flexibility can occur. Since energy levels typically decline with age, elderly people with lower levels of energy or strength may opt to participate in gentle hobbies that require less physical output.
What’s so great about hobbies for seniors with low energy?
Hobbies have a positive influence on energy levels. Not only do they stimulate the mind, body, and soul, but they make us feel good. Many older people enjoy sports as a hobby. But let’s get real. Some sports may be physically demanding. However, that does not mean that seniors with low physical energy should not do sports. Rather, they may choose to participate in milder forms of exercise such as:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Aerobics
- Pilates
- Tai Chi
- Pickleball
- Shuffleboard
- Dancing
Seniors with low physical energy can also engage in activities focused on using brain power:
- Playing instruments
- Learning languages
- Playing chess
- Doing puzzles
- Reading
- Writing
- Playing card games
- Watching documentaries
- Genealogy
- Playing board games
Or they may prefer to engage in hands-on and fun activities like:
- Painting
- Cooking
- Baking
- Knitting
- Crocheting
- Karaoke
- Cross-stitch
- Birding
- Paper crafting
- Gardening
- Coloring
- Videogaming
- Building 3-D models
Seniors with low energy should continue to participate in hobbies that are best suited for them and ask these key questions:
- What hobbies interest me?
- Which hobbies sparks joy?
- Do I prefer solo or group activities?
- Is this hobby in my price range?
- How much time is required?
- How can I benefit from this hobby?
Conclusion:
Activities break up the dullness of the day, particularly for retired adults or seniors who have low energy. Hobbies are a great source of pleasure, but they can also be helpful therapies. Since energies of the body, mind, and soul are intertwined, one activity may possibly improve another energy field, thereby making life better.
